Six must see spots of Virginia!

Are you visiting Virginia? Here are six wonderful vacation spots!

Jamestown
You might as well start at the beginning if you're going to visit Virginia. In 1607 the first English settlement in the entire nation was right here in Jamestown. Visit the popular Jamestown Settlement, a 'living history' museum where visitors can tour replicas of the ships the settlers used to sailed the Atlantic, and also discover the fascinating life-size re-creations of Indian villages and Colonial forts.

Richmond
Rich with Civil War history, the capital city of Virginia is a frequent travel destination for history buffs as well as vacationers. Start at the Virginia Historical Society to learn about the state's interesting past, and you can even research your family tree at the library while you're there. Other spots of interest in Richmond are the Richmond Canal Walk, the National Battlefield Park and the Civil War Visitor Center.

Appomattox
The Civil War practically comes to life at the Appomattox Court House National Park where General Lee surrendered to General Grant in 1865, ending the war. The Appomattox County Historical Museum is another must-see for lovers of history as it houses several artifacts and glimpses of the past such as a one-room schoolhouse. Appomattox also has plenty of fun and outdoor recreational activities at one of its two state parks, Holliday Lake and James River State Parks where guests can camp, swim, canoe, fish, hunt and go horseback riding.

Shenandoah National Park
Deemed as one of the most beautiful spots in the whole world, Shenandoah National Park features over 500 miles of trails with 100 of them being a part of the well-known Appalachian Trail. Don't miss Skyline Drive as it offers breathtaking scenery as it spans the entire length of the park along the crest of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.

There's really something for just about everyone here, from fishing and tubing along the Shenandoah River to hiking, biking and even horseback riding. Spend the night camping under a blanket of stars or in one of the great lodges in the area. And another must-see not far from the park are Luray Caverns, which are the largest, and probably the most popular caverns in the eastern United States.

Virginia Beach
Perhaps the most popular destinations in all of Virginia are its magnificent beaches. Most visitors are drawn to the three mile boardwalk that features numerous hotels, restaurants and plenty of nightlife. Nearly every weekend from May through September there are free music concerts and festivals in addition to all of the fun to be had along the beach.

The eastern shore of Virginia boasts both bayside and oceanfront beaches and accommodates just about any type of vacationer. The eastern shore is connected to the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel which is nearly 18 miles long. Just north-west of there is Kiptopeke State Park, where one can fish 24 hours a day, explore the hiking trails and then in October, attend the famous Eastern Shore Birding Festival that draws bird watchers from all over the world.

Other great destinations along Virginia's beaches include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, which offers fascinating discoveries for all ages, First Landing State Park which has over 200 campsites complete with biking trails and boat ramps, and of course the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. This lighthouse has the distinction of being the oldest one built by the US government, and Cape Henry is also known for being the spot where the English settlers first came ashore back in 1607!

 By: Adrian Adams

Banff National Park in Canada

Canadas Great Lakes are some of the largest and most beautiful in the world.

Albertas Rocky Mountains and its National and Provincial Parks are major year round attractions, with stunning mountain peaks, glaciers, valleys and lakes.

Banff, offer a vast number of tourist attractions to entertain and entrance visitors all year round to complement the natural attractions.

The town of Banff is situated inside the spectacular and unspoilt Banff National Park, Canadas first national park and most popular tourist attraction, about an hour and a halfs drive west of Calgary. The surrounding national park offers 2,564 square miles of unparalleled mountain scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, including glaciers, ice fields, jagged peaks, crystal clear lakes and raging rivers.

The town and nearby village of Lake Louise draws millions of visitors every year, offering as it does a wide variety of comfortable accommodation and entertainment for those wanting a base to explore the mountain wilderness. It is recommended that visitors stay at least four days to make the most of sightseeing excursions in the park. Attractions in the town itself include the Banff Park Museum, on Buffalo Street, which is the oldest natural history museum in western Canada and features a fantastic assortment of wildlife specimens, minerals and other artefacts.

A short way away is the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies dedicated to the rich cultural history of the area, with four art galleries, a heritage gallery and a research library. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, in Cave Avenue, tells the story of the discovery of the hot springs that led to the establishment of Canadas first national reserve in 1885. Visitors can also take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the spectacular views from the observation deck at the top, or soak in hot mineral waters at the Upper Hot Springs in Mountain Avenue.

Winter is low season in Banff National Park, but skiers and snowboarders who brave the low temperatures are delighted with what they find. The slopes have something for everyone, from steep couloirs to gentle cruising and the snow is some of the coldest, driest and most reliable youll find anywhere in the world, and theres a lot of it, particularly at Sunshine Village. Europeans are also impressed by the staggering scenery and mountain wildlife, as well as the welcoming locals and excellent value.

A trip to remember.

By: Douglas Scott

Our favorite beaches in California: Six Sweet Shorelines for a Dream Vacation

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe. Whether you are a California resident looking for the best beach to soak up the sun for a day or two, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you will find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.

Here are six of the best beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.

1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that is sure to make a splash with the entire family.

2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.

3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego County, this recreational facility features lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of interest include Restaurant Row, which features savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide variety of healthy foods and snacks.

4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches in San Diego County should definitely be listed on your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla beaches makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or they can be loads of fun for the entire family. Investigate the underwater marine life while snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum.

5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees stretch along the shores of this tranquil and eloquent beach located in northern San Diego County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or rollerblade down what is called "The Strand" (the main street alongside the beach) or spend some time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

6. Coronado Beach. If you are in San Diego, you will love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with plenty of room for the family to spread out. While the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand castles, you and your spouse can kick back and enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls.

This enchanting locale is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to pack everything you will need for a day at the beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is sold at the beach so be sure to bring along sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets crowded quickly so try to get there early.

It is interesting to note that the entire California coastline is constantly changing due to tides, currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode and new ones form when sediment washes in from the Pacific Ocean.

With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to fully explore this magnificent geographical location. That is why many people return year after year to experience its magic and appreciate its treasures.

By: Jamie Jefferson

Tips for long trips and travel with children

Instead of deciding to leave the kids home for the next "family" vacation, relax! You can make traveling with the kids an enjoyable and stress-free experience by following these simple tips:

1. When possible, travel at night and let the kids sleep. But be cautious, because it's easy to get tired. If you find yourself getting sleepy, roll down the windows, play music, or better yet, find a safe place to pull over and take a 20 minute nap.

2. Plan your trip during the day with stops about every 90 minutes. By planning ahead, and using travel planning software, online trip planning sites or travel associations, you can find -- and stop at -- kid-friendly places such as parks with playgrounds, historic monuments or view areas where everyone can get out and walk around for a few minutes. Giving the kids even a 15 minute break will give them a chance to "get the wiggles out" and work off some energy.

3. Bring along some sing-along music. Although your kids may groan at first when you start singing, they'll soon join in, especially if the songs are either well-known, absurd or "gross." Think of your own childhood favorites, or camp songs. Singing can really help to pass the time, and creates happy memories later on. To help cut costs, you can even record your own CDs? If the kids don't know the words, create sing-along books for everyone by typing them in your Word processing program and printing them out.

4. Create a goodie-bag. Good ideas are travel toys and games, bubbles, inexpensive art books and pencils, even the latest in collectible cards or action figures. (To save money, look for seasonal sales or buy something every payday.) To cut down on arguments about sharing, you can set a time limit for playing with each game, before everyone has to switch. Individual presents can be wrapped or not, and given out at whatever schedule fits your needs and your kids' boredom levels. You can even choose particular games for particular stops, such as bubbles, Frisbees or small balls, which will encourage running off energy.

5. Bring along individual "quiet time" activities. These could include an art box (keep the supplies inside an inexpensive plastic shoe box), postcards or writing paper, or even a journal given to each child at the beginning of the trip. Encourage them to write letters, or record their thoughts and feelings. You can also bring along hand-held games, or inexpensive CD players and earphones, so that everyone can listen to the music or books of their choice. Depending on the space you've got and the length of time you'll be gone, each child could have their own box or backpack, to keep their things organized and accessible.

6. If your trip is going to include a lot of sightseeing, pack a backpack with sweaters, hats, swimsuits (if in season), extra socks and even towels, in case anyone gets wet -- accidentally or on purpose. Keep the backpack in your trunk, so you can just grab it and go. Most kids, if given the chance when near water, will really enjoy getting wet, and it saves on the wear and tear of your vehicle if you plan ahead. Also be sure to pack extra water and travel snacks such as energy bars, nuts or travel mix. You can add to your child's enjoyment if you also include things such as a magnifying glass, binoculars, a disposable camera and their own travel map.

7. Include a "kid's activity" at least once every day. This may be something as simple as going for ice cream after visiting a museum, or going to a water or amusement park. There are often lots of great free or inexpensive activities in most places in the States. To find them, you can check ahead of time with local Chambers of Commerce, on city Websites, or with your travel agent. To help keep the expenses down, don't forget to check for "two for one" coupons, or discount tickets that are often available at local fast food restaurants or in local papers. Also, many family style restaurants offer a "kids eat free" night, which could be a special treat.

8. Don't forget about the travel games you probably played as a child. There is "Letter Bingo" where you look at road signs and billboard ads to find the letters of the alphabet, or "License Plate Alphabet" where you go through the alphabet in order. You can also create easy bingo sheets that you print out with clip art of common sites you'll see on your trip. Your kids will be more inclined to play along if they know that your parents used to play the exact games with you. (Grandparents are SO much cooler than parents are...)

9. Let your kids help to navigate, narrate and create information about your trip. There are so many great resources online these days that can help you make your trip even better. Letting your kids get involved helps to make it more enjoyable for them. For example, let one child be the "trip navigator" each day. They have the responsibility of looking at the map, and making sure that the right exits are taken, or how much farther to each destination point. (If you really want to get creative, the navigator could wear a special hat or badge; the narrator could have a "press badge" or carry a reporter's notebook, etc.) Older children can create written entries into a journal or even in a Blog, talking about the daily activities and sights. Another option is to bring along an inexpensive tape recorder, and let each child record their impressions of the different places you see or things you do. Younger children can draw pictures, or use a disposable camera.

10. Start collecting postcards. Postcards are inexpensive, and your kids will enjoy getting to send them to their friends or other family members. Postcards are also a great addition to your family photo album after the trip. You can cut them up, or even write about specific experiences on the backs of them, to help everyone remember what you did and where you went.

11. Create a scrap book at the end of each trip, using the postcards and pictures the kids took. Letting them help to decorate and put the journal together is a fun after-the-trip activity.

12. Above all, give yourself a break. There is no such thing as a "perfect" family vacation. Inevitably there will be things forgotten, things broken or other "unexpected" problems.

By planning ahead, and making every effort to get your kids involved in the trip, and giving the things to do to keep them occupied and interested, there will be less stress and everyone will have a better time. Have a great trip!

By: James Yee

Things to do in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is special, a place where tradition and cultural heritage have merged seamlessly over the centuries to create an atmosphere simply unique to Dublin.

Dublin Tourism Attractions represents a select number of finest visitor attractions, capturing the essence of Irelands cultural and historic capital city and county.

Dublin is renowned world wide as a city of writers and literature, home to such literary pens as Joyce, Shaw and many others, celebrated at the Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Museum and the Shaw Birthplace.

Malahide Castle is a beautifully restored residence with distinctive elegance and charm. The extensive grounds of the Malahide Castle Demense are also home to the delightful Fry Model Railway and the Talbot Botanic Gardens. Malahide Castle is also the home to Taras Palace, one of the worlds most significant Dolls Houses. Inspired by Sir Neville Wilkinsons celebrated Titanias Palace of 1907, Ron and Doreen McDonnell sought to recapture the spirit and purpose of Sir Neville, when they began the creation of their own masterpiece Taras Palace in 1980.

An essential feature for any European capital, little or large, is a good shopping district a few streets of well stocked stores with gorgeous window displays hinting at even more treats within. Well, Dublin is quite well endowed in that respect. Not only do you have the lively pedestrian shopping streets at the heart of the city, replete with buskers and street performers, but there are a number of huge shopping centres in the outskirts offering the same excellent choice all under one roof, or go further a field to the surrounding towns where youll find boutiques and craft shops stocking items you know you wont find anywhere else.

If you want an evening in the old style with traditional Irish food, music and some Irish dancing, youre spoilt for choice. What about a huge luxuriant late bar with cocktails, imported beer and music you cant stop bopping to. Then on to a club of your choice pop, r and b, seventies disco, salsa, jazz, alternative, or all of above. Trendy, beautiful, student friendly, its all possible.

Wherever you eat, portions will be generous, especially in pubs. With its coastal location, its not surprising to find so much seafood on offer in Dublin, in particular smoked salmon and oysters are a favourite and are usually consumed with a Guinness.

When you spend your time in Dublin you will be assured of a very warm welcome and very special memories, and foremost among those memories will be the times you spent visiting the Dublin Tourism Attractions.

By : Douglas Scott

How to Avoid Long Lines at Disneyland or Disneyworld

One source of frustration and annoyance for many visitors at Disney land or Disney World are the long lines for the rides. You can literally spend several hours of the day standing in line to ride popular attractions. These lines can be avoided in one of three ways.

1. Get to Disneyland early. The lines are shorter in the morning when the park first opens. Instead of jumping in line for the first ride you see, head for the rides that you really want to ride the most popular rides. Make a plan or itinerary on what rides are most popular that you want to visit and schedule them. This has worked like a charm for my family.

2. Another option is to purchase Fast Pass tickets for the rides that offer them. Again, do this early to ensure that you get to ride those rides earlier in the day. You can also order tickets online or by phone. Call Disney and request a Fast Pass ticket or tickets for specific rides. A little planning and forethought go a long way to making your Disney Vacation an extra special one.

Side Note:

FastPass can be obtained from machines located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn't mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It is more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you are free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

When you obtain a FastPass ticket, you will be given a one hour time in which to enjoy the ride. For instance, your FastPass ticket may say 11am to 12pm. This means that you can show up and move to the front of the line between the hours of 11am and 12pm. You must have your Disneyland ticket in order to obtain a FastPass ticket.

At Disneyland, FastPasses are available for Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin, Autopia, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear.

3. The third option to avoid long lines at Disneyland is to ride many of the popular rides later in the evening, while the majority of people are enjoying the entertainment. Disneyland or Disney World has nightly entertainment, and this is a good time to find shorter lines.

Of course, it will mean that you probably miss the entertainment, so if you can use one of the other options for shorter lines at Disneyland, you should probably do so.

Most visitors just wander around aimlessly but those with a specific plan on what rides they definitely want to visit and in the order of popularity will enhance the overall Disney Vacation.

By: Dan Farrell

African Safari Trips - 3 Ways To See Africa On Safari

An African safari trip would be the ultimate vacation for most of us but for the inexperienced, it can be an overwhelming experience on the organization front.

How do you plan for African safari trips; where do you start; where do you go and what do you see? Beginning to see the picture. This article is not so much about how to prepare but what's available for those seeking to head to one of the world's most visited destinations.

The thing to keep in mind about a trip to Africa is it's such a large and diverse place that to see it all and experience everything it has to offer could literally take you years. With that in mind, consider choosing one destination and working your vacation around it.

The big attraction when heading on safari is the wildlife and scenery. There are several ways to experience both including via mobile, self-drive or fly-in safaris. Each has it's own unique characteristics and will differ in cost.

Self-Drive Safaris

These may not be suitable for complete novices to Africa. However, a well orgainized self-drive safari would be a good choice for people travelling in a group with an experienced guide.

A self-drive safari has the advantage of travelling at one's own pace rather than sticking to the strict schedule of an organized tour. You need to be aware though that some destinations may provide conditions which could be considered hazardous.
Understanding the lay of the land, road rules and each destinations political landscape is vital.

Mobile Safaris

These are well organized excursions and can range in length from a few days to weeks. With an experienced guide or guides, mobile safaris are a excellent way to see the landscape in relative safety.

The list of mobile safaris available are too numerous to mention within the scope of this article but they include many options including camping out or staying within the safe confines of motel accomodation.

Fly-In Safaris

For those with limited time, fly-in safaris get you in and out of a destination in good time. However, it doesn't mean you'll miss too much.

One of the advantages of fly-in safaris is seeing the landscape from a wide perspective. These can range in length from four to fourteen days and in many instances, you can spread the trip out over several destinations.

While each of the listed African safari trips offers different aspects, in the end, it is your decision on what to choose. For those who prefer to orgainize their own itinerary, then self-drive and fly-in safaris should be considered.

By: Dean Caporella